Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Lincoln City?

**Yes**, Lincoln City requires a Short-Term Rental License to operate legally. You need to apply for this license through the city's permitting department and meet all safety and operational requirements. Expect to be placed on a waitlist due to license caps in residential zones.

What is the TOT tax rate in Lincoln City?

**9.5% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate in Lincoln City. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the city. Check with the Lincoln City finance department for specific filing deadlines and reporting procedures to remain compliant.

How much does an STR permit cost in Lincoln City?

**$654** is the current fee for a Short-Term Rental License in Lincoln City. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing your application and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Be sure to factor this cost into your operating budget when starting your STR business.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Lincoln City?

**No**, tenants are not permitted to host on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms in Lincoln City. Only property owners are eligible to apply for and receive a Short-Term Rental License. Subletting rules are strictly enforced, so check your lease agreement before listing.

Lincoln City, OR Short-Term Rental Laws

Q: Are short-term rentals allowed in Lincoln City?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Lincoln City, but the market is highly regulated. There is a hard cap on the number of licenses issued in residential zones. New hosts should expect to be placed on a waitlist due to the current license limit.

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Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

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Summary

Lincoln City has a highly regulated short-term rental market with a hard cap on the number of licenses issued in residential zones. New hosts should expect to be placed on a waitlist as the current license limit is frequently reached.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 48 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•High permit fee: $654
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$654

Processing Time

Variable (License cap and waitlist in effect)

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.A strict cap on the number of licenses is in effect; you may not be able to host immediately.
2.Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are prohibited from being used as short-term rentals.
3.Maximum occupancy is strictly enforced (2 per bedroom + 2, max 12 total).
4.One-strike policy: Certain noise or nuisance violations can lead to immediate license suspension.
5.Owners must file quarterly tax returns even if all taxes were collected and remitted by the platform.
6.Parking must be provided off-street; guests cannot use street parking.
7.Licenses are non-transferable upon the sale of the property.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(11)

•Lincoln City: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Lincoln City allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwellings, Condominiums, Multi-family (subject to zoning).
•Lincoln City prohibits STRs in the following property types: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Recreational Vehicles, Tents.

Requirements(20)

•Lincoln City STR warning: A strict cap on the number of licenses is in effect; you may not be able to host immediately.
•Lincoln City STR warning: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are prohibited from being used as short-term rentals.
•Lincoln City: Licenses are non-transferable upon the sale of the property.
•Lincoln City STR warning: Licenses are non-transferable upon the sale of the property.

Application Process(11)

•Lincoln City STR permit - Step 1: Waitlist Check. Check the current license cap status. If the cap is reached, you must apply to be placed on the waitlist. Time: Immediate.
•Lincoln City, OR: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Floor plan with dimensions, Site plan for parking, Proof of insurance, Property Management plan, Public notice declaration.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Lincoln City charges a registration fee of $654 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Lincoln City: Owners must file quarterly tax returns even if all taxes were collected and remitted by the platform.
•Lincoln City charges a Transient Room Tax of 9.5%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit most city-level taxes, but owners must still file quarterly zero-returns.

Limits & Restrictions(9)

•Lincoln City limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Lincoln City occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 12 total. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Lincoln City limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 12 total
•Lincoln City enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Lincoln City requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Address clearly visible from street, Emergency exit signs, Property management contact posted inside.

Penalties(3)

•Lincoln City enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Civil penalty up to $500. Second offense: License suspension. Third offense: License revocation. Daily fine: $500 per day. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Lincoln City: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(3)

•Lincoln City: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Lincoln City, OR: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Lincoln City exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Oregon Markets

Bandon

Oregon

Strict

The City of Bandon strictly regulates short-term rentals through Chapter 5.44 of the Municipal Code, including a total city-wide cap of 100 permits. Permits are restricted to certain residential and commercial zones, prohibit the use of ADUs, and require a high initial application fee of $1,000.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Salem

Oregon

Strict

Salem requires annual licensing for all short-term rentals, distinguishing between Accessory STRs (primary residence) and standard STRs (often requiring a conditional use permit).

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

Tillamook County

Oregon

Moderate

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Tillamook County are strictly regulated under Ordinance 84, requiring an annual permit and a fire/life safety inspection. The county enforces a one-STR-per-person ownership limit and a maximum occupancy cap based on bedroom count.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Rockaway Beach

Oregon

Strict

Rockaway Beach strictly regulates short-term rentals through a licensing system capped at a specific number of units, currently resulting in a waiting list. Hosts must comply with a 10% Transient Room Tax and pass annual safety inspections.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Lincoln City

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(11)

Requirements(20)

Application Process(11)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(9)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Oregon Markets

Bandon

Salem

Tillamook County

Rockaway Beach

Lincoln City

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Lincoln City?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Lincoln City?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Lincoln City?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Lincoln City?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Lincoln City?

Related Content

Other Oregon Markets

Bandon

Salem

Tillamook County

Rockaway Beach